All Clear!

Carol had her six month checkup a few days ago. She was given the all-clear again...yipee! Clear scans, and no tumor markers in her blood work. So... she's celebrating and heading off to Florida away from the rest of us crazy's. A girl's weekend away! Have fun dear, we love you! - Eric, Mary & Anna

We're doing good...

I know... I'm a BAD BAD BAD guy! I have only one excuse... and that is it is very hard to come back to this blog as it brings back a whole host of emotions. Life is normal again for the most part, and in knowing that why would anyone want to see, sense or remember this journey. Then... I remembered some of our friends still use this blog to keep up. To all of you I am very very sorry. So here is the scoop! Carol is doing great! Her last visit with the Oncologist revealed that he felt she was healed. Had a 84% sucess rate... great patient, and he expects a great outcome!!!!!! So... Carol got her port removed, and is now enjoying the art of straightening hair! Yes, her hair came back curly, curly, and even more curly! It's a riot, but it is also beautiful as well. That's all for now, and maybe I'll muster up enough emotional energy to come back again when she's had her next follow-up with the Oncologist this summer. Be well, be safe and thank you once again for your prayers, love and compassion! - Eric

A Clean Sweep

Here we are mid February and well on our way to Spring. Our snow of 15" melted away and we're enjoying a fluctuation between 20 degrees at night to sometimes upwards of the 40's. We even peaked to a high of 62 last Monday February 9th. That prompted us to do something special.

Carol went in for her six month checkup. Got a mammogram, and saw her surgeon. Results were... she's cancer free! That and the warm weather prompted inch thick ribeyes on the grill, fresh asparagus to accompany the steaks and a nice vase a flowers to look at while we dined in celebration.

What a great time... here we are just over a year later and she looks great, feel pretty good (just needs to get her frozen shoulder un-frozen), and now cancer free. Dinner was great, spirits were high and our daughters did a wonderful job of showering Carol with all kinds of signs, and both dressed in appropriate celebratory attire.

I'm not sure you can describe the feelings what we felt. Needless to say, we're good now. Of course many more six month check ups, plenty of doctors visits, still getting an IV med, taking a pill, but all-in-all we're doing great! Each day as it arrives prompts all of us in the Sluder family to be grateful for a new opportunity to be with Carol, and to be a family.

Thanks again everyone for the support, prayers and gestures of love. You'll never know how much we appreciate it. Be well, be safe and good night! - Eric

My One Friend...

Dear Family and Friends,December 2008

When I found out I had cancer (sorry if this is the first time you have heard this), I cried a lot.  I had all the typical questions. Will I die?  How will my family be affected?  Will it ever come back?  Will chemotherapy and radiation be worth it?  What did I do wrong?  Why me? I already have diabetes....isn't that enough??  I wondered if it would change me and what lessons I would learn from this disease.  Then God opened his arms and showed me (and my family) how much he loved me.  He demonstrated his love by using our family and friends to encourage and uplift us.  God also showed his power by answering prayers and proving He still performs miracles!! His love is incredible and so are the actions of all of you in my life.  Here is something I wrote to thank you all for helping me and my family get through this journey.  We couldn't have made it without you...and my one friend.

One Friend is all you need...

One friend sends me cardsOne friend listens to me cry

One friend helps me do laundryOne friend drove me to the ER

One friend shaved his head (to match mine!)One friend bought me a hat

One friend encourages my husbandOne friend prays for me daily

One friend bought me a book on cancerOne friend made us dinner

One friend bought me a book not on cancerOne friend sent us a gift card

One friend went to the altar for meOne friend shopped for me

One friend keeps telling me he loves meOne friend calls to check on me

One friend took my kids shoppingOne friend walks my puppy

One friend sits with me at chemoOne friend organized a prayer meeting

One friend gave me my favorite ice cream (from Cincy!)One friend cleaned my house

One friend bought “day care” for my puppyOne friend shoveled our driveway

One friend organized a Walk for the Cure in my nameOne friend gave me flowers

One friend lit a candle for me (at Mass)One friend takes my kids to the movies

One friend brought me organic foodOne friend gave me MonaVie

One friend knitted me a prayer shawl One friend gave me a thoughtful gift

One friend made me a prayer quiltOne friend sends uplifting emails

One friend sent a box full of gifts from friends in TexasOne friend organized our meals

One friend brought me a huge bag full of hatsOne friend developed a blog for me

One friend takes my kids for the dayOne friend lent us movies

One friend takes my kids to the lakeOne friend gave me a book report on cancer

One friend incentivized my kids to keep their rooms cleanOne friend explains all the doctor stuff

One friend took my kids to a musicalOne friend took my kids to the pool

One friend takes care of me when I am sickOne friend gets my kids off the bus

One friend says he will never leave meOne friend took my kids during surgery

One friend honored me at a church dinner program  One friend keeps me up on cancer research

One friend had a “flower shower”  when I finished radiationOne friend drops by the see me

One friend sponsored me in “100 Voices of Hope” for breast cancer research

One friend took my family to Alaska when I finished chemotherapy

My one friend (Jesus) never left me

One friend is a Gift from God...One friend is all you need.

Carol Sluder-2008 Breast Cancer Survivor

Holey Cow How Time Flys

Dear Friends and Family: I really am sorry I just plain got lazy about updating the Blog. We entered into the Radiation Therapy phase of our journey and it is now COMPLETE! 33 treatments and Carol has been released! She is now recuperating and treating her surface burns (1st and mild 2nd degree burns on her skin). Her fatigue has been manageable for her... and as a family we've all tried to help out!

Her next phase is too wait! I know YUCK! But that is the way cancer is treated. We wait and see if it returns. In the meantime she is taking Herceptin via IV every three weeks (a preventative). She will begin Tamoxifen (hormone therapy) in two weeks from today. That is another preventative measure as her cancer cells are "sensitive" to hormones and want them to help grow. So... the idea is we'll just take those hormones away! No fertilizer...hopefully no growth!

Outside of that... school is well underway for the girls, work is good for me (and I've been truly blessed with many great co-workers) and Carol is a terrific patient.

We do have two prayer requests of significance: 1) Is our friend Al Gianotti's oral cancer is really really getting the best of him. Please pray for a miracle in that God will prevail and place His healing hand on Al, Denise, the kids and all that are involved in Al's journey. 2) Please pray that Carol's cancer is gone for good. I have grown to so appreciate Carol over these past 11 months of treatment... she has been a guiding light to God's grace in many ways to all of us, and to our friends and family. She deserves to live a long and fruitful life, and I know it sounds selfish on my part, but I do love her and can't help but be selfish...so there! We do have another prayer request and that is... please say a prayer for all of those suffering from Cancer. May there be a cure for each and everyone of them. Again, I am sorry for the long long long time between posts and will do better next time. Until then... please be well, be blessed and have a wonderful wonderful Fall! - Eric

P.S., An optimist is someone who has dealt with reality enough to know you cannot expect perfection, see perfection, or be perfect... but accepts life as it is, and make’s the most of it. - R.E. Sluder

Talk about Pumped Up!

First we visit the Colt's new stadium "Lucas Oil" on Sunday thanks to Tom and Betsy. Then today Carol was told her heart "injection fraction rate" went from a low of in the mid-fifties to 75 in her last test. Now I should elaborate a little and then you'll celebrate!

Carol's rate started out at 77 which is very very good and it means a very healthy heart. When you take certain types of chemo the drug also attacks good cells and some of those "good cells" make up heart tissue. Her rate after a couple of tests indicated she was down in the fifties which is on the low side (can't go below 50). She was pretty bummed about it... as was I.

Then comes God... she has prayed as well and me and the girls, and several hundred of you that she'll be healed from the cancer, suffer no ill affects, and many other great wishes.

Adding to this story you should know that we counciled with a few physicians about it and were told that her rate may raise a point or two, but otherwise she would have to live with it. "It's just something that doesn't recover once the damage is done to your heart" a typical answer we would receive.

Well.. The Great Healer had a different plan...It brings tingles to even write His response which was... He took her rate from the mid-fifties to 75 which is back to normal (actual a high normal..like terrific)!!!

I'll leave the rest to you... she had three tests indicating how it would drop after each test while on chemo. Now... though modern medicine says it won't, her rate is back to normal! With that, I really cannot write anymore because what else can I say as a man here on earth other than THANK GOD! Good night, and be well - Eric

Zap!

Well it's official... she got her first dose today of radiation. Her head didn't spin around and nor did she spew whirled peas either. when I came home she was and is the same ol' same ol'... the Carol I know and love.

I would love to share more excitement about the treatment, but she said she laid there and the machine moved around and next thing ya know she was done -- Boda Bing, Boda Boom!

On another note a dear friend from Texas stopped by, Laura, her mother and son Evan. They had a great visit today while I was working.

An angel showed up to take Carol to her appointment and then came back and helped Carol get the house clean for Laura's visit ~ thanks Teir, you're a sweetheart!

Outside of that, next up... dose number two! Be well, - Eric

A Radiant Personality

Yes, Carol has been told that many times... what a personality you have there girl! So radiant in nature, so out going, and glowing. Well... we never guessed that she would be Radiant after all, but of course we're speaking about Radiation Therapy.

It begins Tuesday and will continue for 35 doses over the next several weeks. I've wondered serveral times if she'll glow, but after many inquires I still get a profound and puzzled "NO"... dang! I kind of figured if she glowed a little, it'd fun since it's summer and she could compete with the Fire Flies, but oh well.

School begins tomorrow so the girls are heading to bed now. Carol has another heart test to measure her output since she is still taking Herceptin. So we've got a few prayer requests: 1) School goes great for both girls, 2) her test is very succesful and her heart output is stable, and 3) her radiation therapy goes very well and she doesn't suffer from much fatigue.

Thanks everyone for the prayers, and hey we got two comments last time ~ WHEW HEW! Most importantly a big thanks to our Father in heaven for seeing her through to this point, and blessing her with His presence through the Holy Spirit. Good night, and be well! - Eric

Somebody is Pulling Your Cord!

I believe that is what Carol felt yesterday as her stitches were being removed. Dr. Schmidt struggled to get one of the sutures un-done! He finally gave it a big jerk and as Carol put it... "he yanked on that string and my insides just about came out!"

Of course the doctor was doing the right thing... he needed to get the stitches out, and I think Carol's skin had adhered to some of them, so she left with a little pain under her arm. You would not have known it when you greeted her yesterday evening... because she was just glad to get this phase of our journey over with ~ YEAH!

We're both a little nervous about the "spec" but both Dr. Schmidt and our big brother the good doctor has assured us all normal procedures have been followed and neither would have done anything differently. That is why radation therapy is always mandated after the first two phases are complete! We're okay... we feel good about it, and are putting our complete faith in God!

Next step... Carol meets with the Radiation Oncologist Wednesday 7/23/08. We'll report back when we know what all is involved with this therapy. In the meantime, we're just doing our family thing, and helping Carol to continue to mend. She's one strong cookie, and I truly admire her stamina. As always (I know it's beating a dead horse but can't help it) we're truly glad for your help, and most importantly your prayers! Be well, - Eric

Just a spec...only one little spec!

We're doing great as Carol continues her recovery from surgery last week. Her incisions are looking really good, and she's got a fair amount of energy (all things considered).

The past weekend was tough as her insulin pump did not deliver insulin as it should have due to a failed connection to her body. Her sugar ran sky high... and we spent the entire weekend getting her straighten out.

Her pathology report came back... and all of the tissue around the original tumor sight was "clear." Two of the three lymph nodes were "clear," One lymph node had .3mm of cancer in it... "just a spec" the doctor said, "kind of like a single ink dot from a writting pen." He was well pleased with those results as he had prepared us ahead of time that cancer would probably still be present. He said that is why patients have Radiation Therapy afterwards to kill those last remaining strong holds.

So... though we had hoped we would get the "all clear" we'll take a report that is dang near just as good!

On another note, we've been surrounded by guardian angels over these past few days. Diane, Lanie, Debbie, Julie, Heidi, Cynthia, Melissa... have kept us fed... thank you ladies! Jennifer, and Diane has kept our daughters busy ~ bless you! A few hundred are praying for us ~ bless all of you! And... I think I've finally conquered laundry! Our sincere thanks to all, and many blessings to you in return. - Eric

Did I Fart, Snore, or Pee My Panties?

That was the question Carol asked after her first surgery in December of 2007. I guess drugs can mess with your mind... whether you like it or not! We reflected upon that profound statement today after she was rolled into her room here on the 6th floor at St. V.

It was officially confirmed, she did not not fart, snore, or pee her panties the first time, or anytime during her surgical procedures. She did ask if she was..."still on the boat?" assuming she was still on the cruise we just enjoyed last week in Alaska. Of course surgical personnel affirmed she was on land, and not at sea as she was rolled out of post-op.

Her surgeon told me he removed the three lymph-nodes that were affected by cancer, and removed tissue from the orginal tumor location in her breast. He said it went well... and the lab results would be available next week! That's it? I thought to myself... but I guess it is for now.

Outside of that, she just finished supper and wants to go for a walk down the hall, so I better sign-off for now! Thanks for the prayers, thoughts and concern. Be well, - Eric

T-minus 11 Hours and Counting...

Yep, we're here and we're just getting ready for Carol's surgery in the morning. All systems are GO. Oncologist says it's a go, Surgeon says it's a go... God says it's a go, so we're going!

We arrive at 0545 at the hospital for a 0700 surgery (translated from Nasa talk... 5:45 AM, and 7:00 AM respectively). We're cool, calm and collected... well at least as best as we can be.

Grandma is staying with the girls, and I'll be hanging with Carol... though she doesn't want me to sleep at the hospital with her...dunno why? Couldn't be anything like the logs I can saw while sleeping eh?

I'll post an update tomorrow afternoon/evening (promise)! Until then... hang loose, keep praying and remember... God loves you, He is control (when you let Him), and He has a plan for you! This is Houston ~ Out! Eric

Baby Steps...

Okay, say it now... we're a bunch of lazy bums! Yeah, we know... no updates in sometime. Sorry about that... just been busier than a one armed paper-hanger! I'm about to depart to a conference in Dallas, so I'm trying to do all that I can to help things be okay while I'm gone.

Carol is doing her best to build up energy, create some norm around the house and... GROW HAIR!

Chemo is done, yes just for clarification it is REALLY DONE! We're down to Herceptin once every three weeks (not chemo), but drug therapy to encourage the cells to not announce, "Hey, I'm here and I want to replicate in a big way good lookin'" (my layman and uneducated way of saying how it's suppose to work). The Herceptin is given to her via her port at the Oncologist office. She doesn't need a ride because it has no side effects and only takes about 1 1/2 hours. She'll stay on this therapy for the next 10 months.

Next step is surgery (Jaws theme playing on the background now)! She is scheduled for July 9th. Is required to stay overnight in the hospital (St. Vincent) and will come home Thursday morning July 10th. She will have a drain tube in her for a while (that yours truly has to empty), and will need to rest and recover.

What is to be removed you say? Well... they'll clean up the area where the tumor was (remove existing tissue), and then remove some lymph nodes under her right arm (hence the drain tube).

Next step... REST & ENCOURAGEMENT! Six weeks of rest is prescribed after surgery. She needs lots of ENCOURAGEMENT, and interaction with everyone. I'll be encouraging her to pace herself, but get out and enjoy life as well! A fine balance I must say...

What? Yes, another step is in order... Radiation Therapy will be our last big adventure. Six weeks of radioactive energy bombarding the tissue in and around the original site of the tumor, and where the lymph nodes were. It is a daily treatment, and we expect a cumulative affect on her energy. First three weeks she'll be doing pretty good, then she'll become pretty zapped (no pun intended) the last three weeks of the therapy. Though I've questioned it, and am told NO... I still wonder if she'll glow in the dark? Hmmm...

Yep, another step... Hormone therapy! She will be prescribed a drug to block any hormone production in her body (specifically the female types). This step lasts five years, but it's just pills every day ~ NO IV'S!!!!

Next step: God's will... in that we're praying it's His will the cancer is in full remission and never, ever returns! PLEASE PRAY BIG TIME FOR THAT ONE! We're both willing to accept what His will is, but we are selfish and will be quick to admit that. So... we just hope in His grace, she'll be here to preach to the world what Surviving is all about, and what God can do in your life!

With that, I close to go whittle down my Honey Do list, and prepare for 94 degree weather in my favorite State (sorry Hoosiers, but technically I'm a Texan). Be well, stay out of trouble, and remember God does have a plan for you, He does love you (no matter what you have done), and He is in control (but you have to let me...:-). Love, Eric &(Carol, Mary & Anna).

A Flight Risk!

Though the TSA (Transporation Security Administration), or any other government agency doesn't know this... but Carol is considerd a Flight Risk! That is what Karen her Oncology Nurse calls her.

We have been told that Dr. Harwood is going to limit her Taxol doses to just eight due to the high risk of nerve damage to her feet. Though originally planning on 12, he's okay with that because eight doses is normal for a patient with her cancer profile.

So... as you can guess Carol was ready to disconnect last Friday and get the heck out of Dodge! Funny thing is, Karen made her swear she would return (after hearing Carol mumble she was going to cancel her Friday May 23rd appointment). "I'm not un-hooking you from this IV line until you swear you'll return Carol." Of course, Carol relented and the line was removed.

Karen has been a terrific supporter for Carol through this journey and one heck of a nurse. We're very grateful for her being in our lives, and knowing how much she cares for Carol.

So... Carol is now sworn to return, or we're both invisioning Karen knocking at our front door with an IV in hand! To prevent this from happening we'll both be visiting Dr. Harwood this Friday to get the scoop on her heart scan, and other details. Though optimistic, I think we're both a little hesitant to say... chemo is over, until we walk out of there with no IV in tow!

If that is the case, I think a small celebration is in order. We will be going to a Indy 500 party that night, so that should get things going in the right direction. Maybe a little something else is in order...hmmm, we'll see!

Well, it's our hope and prayer we're cut free from the chemo and she'll only need to visit every 3 to 4 weeks for a Herceptin dose (it's not chemo but does some real magic on HER2 positive cancer cells). That'll be in her destiny until early 2009.

So until we walk out of his office on Friday, hold your breath, cross your fingers, and most importantly please say a prayer for the right decision to be made by all. Until then, stay tune... "Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel" (I'll let you figure out what show that slogan came from...:-). Thanks everyone, be well, and may God truly bless each of you! - Eric

Numbness, What Does It Mean?

Dear Friends and Family, Well, my doctor heard about my neuropathy side effects and decided to reduce the number of chemo treatments. In fact, Friday may be my last official chemo treatment! He said, "I don't want to push the neuropathy with your diabetes." He didn't feel he would be compromising anything and was concerned about the severity of my neuropathy.

Tomorrow I go for another heart scan to make sure these chemo drugs have not caused any damage to my heart function. I will continue to take one of these current drugs for another year (at the chemo center) however, the side effects are supposed to be less (except for damaging the heart...so keep praying for that).

My next step will be to have more tests and then set up my surgery date followed by radiation treatments. So, although I am not finished...I am thankful that part of my journey may be completed!

Thank you for all your prayers and support, you can't know how much they mean to me.

For those of you who don't know, my wonderful husband has been keeping a blog on my life at http://ericandcarol.blogspot.com Since I am such an amateur at the computer...this email was easier for me...and I wanted to give you all a quick update. Much love and thanks. - Carol

One Foot At A Time...

Is what we ask your prayers for... Carol's message is below - Eric

Dear Friends and Family, Yesterday I struggled quite a bit with some new side effects of this round of chemo. I am experiencing neuropathy from the Taxol and would like you to add this to your prayers. Specifically, my feet are numb, swollen, painful and feel like they have "pins and needles". Yesterday my legs were extremely weak and often felt like jello. I have some shooting pains going up and down my legs, across my hips and lower back. Today I am still experiencing these symptoms but not as dramatic as yesterday. In talking with the nurses, they said these symptoms will likely continue until chemo is over and might even continue on for up to a year after chemo.

In some people, this condition can become permanent and sometimes more likely in diabetics (which I am). I am not as concerned about pain (although I found it hard to be a functional mom yesterday) as about permanent damage. Please pray that these side effects will not be permanent or increase the risk of neuropathy in the future (a problem with diabetics). Thank you again to each and every one of you for all you have done for me and my family. We are strong because you have prayed for and loved us. With much appreciation and love, Carol

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

Surprise... Surprise... Sargeant!

As Gomer would say in a time long ago when TV was still innocent. For Carol she experienced a BIG Surprise as well...

I had a desire at work to go see Carol... grabbed my packed lunch and left in time to arrive at 12:05 PM... and as you guessed to her surprise! I sat with her, chatted and had my lunch. Watched her drift off to sleep a few times... listen to her apologies because she did, and just be there for her. I thought it was fun, and the highlight of my day. Work was calling me though... so I left at 1:00 PM to head back to the "Salt Mines."

As I walked out of the building I see my brother-in-law Tom walking up with a book in his hand. I said, "wow... what a surprise... here to see Carol?" of course he was and he walked on up as I shuttled myself back to work. Carol called her ride home (Lori) and said hey, I've got a ride... my brother just showed up! Our normal dinner time chat was completely occupied with pages of her memory spilling out fond discussions she had throughout the day.

I'm sure you are asking... "so what makes it special?" Carol's normal ride had to cancel due to a sick kid. For those who know Carol... she is NOT one to ask for help! She cried and cried and finally mustered up the energy to send out an email and make some phones calls to arrange rides for today (and bless each of you for volunteering... the calls and replies were amazing!). Approved Plan: Her Mom was to dropped her off, and then go to an appointment. Lori was to pick her up... and during the treatment she was to sit by herself and relax.

Her day began... Her mother's meeting attendees all cancelled on her for various reasons unknown to her. That allowed her to stay till Noon. At work I felt this overwhelming desire to go see her which is totally against her will since she's a BOOMER who believes in you work, then you work some more, then work a bit more just in case. Lastly, her big brother shows up out of his exceptionally busy schedule to sit with her after I left!

Well I'm sure you are thinking... they obviously coordinated their times so she was with someone during her entire treatment right? I'd like to say that, but "no" is truly the answer. Mom did not expect everyone to cancel on her... I was held up later than I expected due to a customer issue, and darted out of the office so I would arrive in hopes of eating lunch together. Tom, without being told decided to come over and visit with her for a while.

So what eh? Well... you see I prayed last night that she would be okay on her own; not sad, not sick, not feeling sorry for herself. I even wrapped my arms around her and prayed for her this morning in that she would have courage, strength, protection, and a uplifted spirit even though she would be by herself.

I guess God decided to answer my prayer. She spent her day surrounded by family and only spending 12 minutes by herself! Even more amazing... not one moment of it was pre-planned!

Thanks Beth for taking Chester to Doggie Day-Care (and for the gift of providing it). Thanks Drew for supper... sure hit the spot. Thanks to each and every one of you for your willingness to change plans and re-arrange your life to help Carol while in need. Thanks Tom for being there, she so... appreciated it. Thanks goes to Mom's six friends who decided to cancel today unbenounced to you! Thanks God... for answering prayers... no matter how big, or small... you are listening and we appreciate it. Good night - Eric

Taxi Please...!

A common bugle heard throughout big cities around the world... Taxi Please!!! What would we do without them? I know we would be in a world of hurt, and I would have to take a lot of vacation time to shuttle Carol to and from her appointments.

So... thanks everyone for volunteering to help take Carol to her appointments. We're close to getting all the slots filled -- just a few more, so feel free to take one if you can fit it into your schedule.

I'll encourage Carol to email out the dates that are available and see if we can fill each slot. Ginsu knives are all gone by the way... we didn't realize we would have so many takers. We're working on some other enticers, so stay tune! :-)

Until our next post, a word a thanks goes out to all the good cooks in Central Indiana. We've been well fed of recent, and very grateful indeed. Some wonderful flowers arrived today to provide a hint of Spring in a rather dreary and chilly day outside ~ thank you you know who ;-)

Be well, God bless you... and may He shine His divine providence upon each of you wonderful kind folks! - Eric

Calling All Cars... Calling All Cars...

Well okay, it's not a police show I'm reminiscing about... but we do need volunteers! First, I need to say ~ SORRY! I know, I know... no post, and no Carol or Eric. Dang, no good excuse either except really nice weather and plenty of yard work to say the least. My Bad... as our daughters would say!

Now that is out of the way, back to our need... Carol has seven more chemo treatments each and every Friday (except the last one is a Thursday June 12Th). Unfortunately, she is out of volunteer drivers. She is not allowed to drive home because she's "DRUGGED UP" big time!

Any takers? It is somewhat of a long day, but you'll get to experience what a chemo treatment consist of, free conversations with Carol while she's under the influence of some really cool and relaxing medications (now's your time to ask some really fun questions...he he), and walk away with the sense that you, yes you... really participated in our journey of healing for Carol! Oh I almost forgot... if you are the first of 10 email'ers we will throw in a set of Ginsu knives for only $19.95, yes only $19.95... but you need to be one of the first email'ers to get a set :-)

All kidding aside, we do need your help and would appreciate any time you could spare. we appreciate each and every meal we get, every walk Chester has been taken, every time our kids are taken somewhere for us, and each and every Blog Comment (hint hint), and every wonderful card that Carol receives! We really do appreciate each and every one of you and feel very blessed to know that you are giving a part of your time, and your life for us -- THANK YOU, AND BLESS YOU!

In closing, some short notes: Yes, we made the entire walk at the Susan G. Komen Fight for Breast Cancer along with many family and friends. We persevered even when it rained, and took a really good nap when we got home (as I'm sure those who walked did as well).

Carol is doing fine (all things considered). Plenty of bone pain, and an upset stomach (more acid reflux than anything) but thanks to the modern miracles of pharmaceuticals she's handling those issues pretty good. Mary and Anna are doing okay as well. Me, well... what can I say! Pleasant, cranky, funny, and tired... many times, and some of the time, but all-in-all I'm doing just fine.

Lastly, we celebrated 15 years of marriage on April 24, 2008! Yep, can you believe it... she's put up with me... a Geek, Redneck, and goofball all rolled in one! She's a saint in my eyes, and I'm looking forward to many years of happy marriage to come.

Since I'm still sitting here in my camo outfit from this mornings turkey hunting event I'll say... GOOD NIGHT YAWL! - Eric

Walking Tall

Pretty much a normal Tuesday here in our family. Nice to see the sun come out and the sky all blue. Carol is dealing with the side-effects of her chemo treatments as best as she can. She has a nice distraction going on right now.

We're going for a walk this Saturday as a family. Our nephew Jake has coordinated a team named; "We Love Carol" and is comprised of friends and family. It's the Susan G. Komen Walk For The Cure! We are getting excited about it, and hope the weather will be nice. She took the dogs on two walks today and is now "dog tired" sorry... just had to say it. She passed out about an hour ago and I'm on my way to visit Mr. Sandman myself.

Both of our daughters are walking as well and I'm it will bring new meaning to helping their mother get well. It is my prayer that they will see all the survivors, and see all of the family members band together in a march motivated by love, hope, and the fighting spirit that makes us become one to conquer such a life changing disease. Yes, you guessed it... I'm excited too!

Until we walk, we're going to keep practicing by taking trips around the hood, and getting our bodies and spirits in shape. Wish us luck, and a prayer wouldn't hurt as well. I'm praying Carol's 4th treatment goes so well she'll be more than ready to make the walk with a big ol' Carol smile on her face! - Eric